Temple Israel

Temple Israel is pleased to welcome the Reverend Eric Gibran Howard, pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Canton, as guest speaker for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Shabbat service on Friday, January 15, 2027.

 

Rev. Howard has served as pastor of Mt. Olive since November 2016. A fourth-generation minister, he grew up in a family deeply committed to religious leadership and community service. His father, Rev. Larry Wayne Howard, served as pastor of the Historic Greater Friendship Baptist Church in Cleveland.

 

Rev. Howard brings a rich background in ministry, education, and public service. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Mount Union, a Master of Public Administration from Cleveland State University, and a Master of Divinity from Emory University's Candler School of Theology. Before coming to Canton, he served as a pastoral resident at Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn, New York. His professional and community experience includes workforce development, career counseling, and service with the United Way.

 

The annual MLK Shabbat is an opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the historic relationship between the Jewish community and the struggle for civil rights. It also reminds us of the importance of strengthening relationships across religious and racial lines here in Canton. Welcoming Rev. Howard to the pulpit offers an opportunity to deepen those connections through shared worship and conversation.

 

The entire community is invited to this special Shabbat service as we honor Dr. King's legacy and reaffirm our commitment to justice, dignity, and mutual understanding.